Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-08-25

be to see me. L believe I'll break in,
if can't do any better"
She ran around to the back entrance,
which was likewise locked. Then a
bright thought came to her.
''Bessie used to put the key under the
step when she went out expecting John
to return before she did. Perhaps it
is there now"
She remembered just where the hid
ing-place was, and as she reached
under the step she was delighted to
find that the key was indeed there.
In another moment she had unlocked
the door and entered the cool darkened
kitchen. She ran out again to open a
shutter, and then made her way to the
cosy sitting-room.
II think I'll exchange this warm
dusty dress for one of Bessie's calicoes,
till my trunk comes" she reflected
Seems to me she has been buying
new furniture since | was here" she
added, with glance at unfair liar
chairs and lounge. 'tNow remember
she told me she was going to get new
things as soon as John could spare the
money. Well, I'm glad she can have
them"
Up to Bessie's chamber she ran, and
began boldly to rummage in closet
hung full of dresses, from among
which she selected a print Mother
Hubbard, of the daintiest moss-rose
pattern she had ever seen.
She found it a tritie too long, great
ly to her surprise.
"Bessie and | used to be of exactly
the same heightr she exclaimed when
she had arrayed herself in the garment
and stood before the mirror.
But she had too many things to divert
her thoughts to dwell upon this some
what singular discovery.
1t occurred to her that she was hungry
after her long ride and brisk walk.
1t was half-past six by the buhl clock
on the mantel, and Bessie always had
tea punctually at six in summer.
perhaps she isn't coming back till
evening"" Genie reflected. SAT any
rate, | am almost famished. / am
going to explore the pantry"
Suiting action to words, she soon
uneaa'thed a supply of spongy bread, a
bowl of straw berries, and plenty Of
L1Sh Clcd1u.
She would have done very well with
her repast had she not met with a mis-
hap at the very last. Upon shelf she
spied something which, of all delica-
cies, best suited her palate.
Zone of Bessie's custard-piesw she
exclaimed.
In reaching for it, however, she
missed her hold, and plate, pie, and
all fell with a dreadful crash to the
floor
At that very moment carriage-wheels
rumbled up to the door, and voices
and laughter sounded outside.
Bessie and John have come, and
somebody else with them, l should
think" Genie exclaimed.
She listened, staring at the mess she
had made.
where is the key?" demanded a
feminine voice, which certainly did
not resemble Bessie Caswel's.
Didn't you put it under the step?''
said another voice, which wasn't
Johns, Genie was sure.
OF course did, returned the first
speaker.
sit isn't here. l guess it has been
stolen" after silent interval.
''Better try the door, and see if YOU
didn't forget to lock it altogether" sug-
gested still another voice, which was
also masculine.
Bessie has brought home lot of
company" thought Genie in dismav.
''What Shall do?" she added. Il be-
lieve I'll run up to my room-the one
she always kept especially for me
and stay until they're gone. But if
they should"
Her reflections were broken by an
increasing clamor of voices outside.
She did not wait to consider the mat
ter longer. She darted across the
kitchen to the front hall, and up the
carpeted stairs, nor did she pause to
take breath until the chamber which
Bessie always kept for her was reached.
She closed the door and turned the
key. At the same time she heard the
sound of hasty footsteps and excited
voices below, and knew that the COM
ers had gained admittance.
There are tramps in the house!'
she heard one say in shrill tones.
''Or burglars" supplemented anoth-
er.
Il won't go up stairs, nor stir out OF
this room till the men folks have been
over the house," declared the lady who
could not find the key.
An instant later from the pantry
came small scream, and the words:
''Just look at this, will you, and then
tell me there haven't been robbers in
the house"
To Genie, in the chamber over the
tumult, a startling fact occurred.
Among them all there was rot single
familiar voice, and sudden sensation,
amounting almost to terror, swept
over her.
She faced about, and for the first
time noticed that the furnishings OF
cher room" had been completely
changed.
That was not all. She went over
to the dressing-case, and was yet more
deeply amazed to find it strewn with
articles adapted to masculine toilet
A shaving-mug of decorated china
and unique design, razor and strop,
a broken cuff button, told the truth al
too plainly.